The 11th European Individual Championships started last weekend in Rijka, Croatia and finishes next weekend. Of the 422 competitors only 3 are English, and all have westcountry connections. Michael Adams (graded 267) is Cornish by birth and is 20th seed; David Howell (grade 247 & 40th seed) has a place at a university in Somerset, while Keith Arkell (grade 257 & 222nd seed) is a Devon resident. His recent appeal in this column for financial help on this trip was met by a generous contribution from a Plymouth donor.

This is Adams’ 2nd round game, an example of a quick king-side attack against the Sicilian Defence.